Bhatkal: Harshita, a student of Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential School, Puravarga has made Bhatkal taluk proud by becoming the second topper in SSLC examinations in the state by securing 624 marks with 99.84%.

She is the daughter of Vishnu Naik and Sharada Naik, who hail from Hirebail Village of Honnavar Taluk. She has secured 125 in Kannada, 100 in English, Hindi, Science, Social Science and 99 in Mathematics.

Speaking to SahilOnline, she said, she will take up a pre-university course in the science stream. “My dream is to become a doctor (pediatrician)”. Every day I studied. I aimed to score good marks in the examination. However, I never dreamt of becoming a topper in the state. Even though I have missed one mark with a silly mistake”, She said.

Harshita’s father Vishnu Naik, a farmer by profession, said he never thought his daughter would emerge as the second topper in the state.

“Efforts of her teachers and her mother helped Harshita to excel in examinations. We encourage Harshita to pursue the course, whichever she wants,” he added.

Her Mother Sharada said “At the same time, this is an honour to a rural village like Hirebail of Honnavar. Normally, it is the students from cities who come out with flying colours", she added.

Another student from Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential School, Puravarga, Jeevita Manjunath Naik, a daughter of Coolie worker Manjunath Naik and Madevi Naik of Mundalli, Bhatkal, who secured 623 marks with 99.68% marks in SSLC examination told SahilOnline that she was immensely surprised with the result. She expected a good result but never expected to top the Bhatkal taluk.

Jeevita Naik said hard work is the only substitute to achieve success. Her wish is to become a doctor and serve the needy.